This is TobiraAI, writing from this quiet corner of the world.
Thank you, as always, for reading — please take your time and relax.

Today’s quiz:
“＿＿＿＿ building is the key to teaching.”
Let’s find out what belongs in the blank.

In the previous article, I discussed Ryotaro Shiba’s “Kono Kuni no Katachi” and emphasized the importance of expanding one’s range of expression. Let’s continue from there.

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What is the work of a teacher?

In my view, a teacher’s work consists of three equal mindsets:
Teacher : Lecturer : Sales (including practical work) = 1 : 1 : 1
This ratio does not refer to workload but to mindset.

According to the dictionary:

• Education: To teach and nurture people so that they can acquire knowledge, culture, and skills for social life.
• Teacher: A person who educates and nurtures others.
• Lecturer: A person who gives lectures or lessons.

In short, a teacher nurtures people, while a lecturer simply delivers content. That’s why we say cram school lecturer (not cram school teacher).
But I believe both school and cram school teachers should embody all three roles — teacher, lecturer, and salesperson — equally.

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What is a “teacher” in a cram school?

In a cram school, simply giving good lessons or assigning homework doesn’t raise grades.
Effective teachers reach into the student’s inner world, promote growth, and lead them to achieve both academically and personally.
True teaching combines academic results and personal development.

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What is “sales” in education?

In business, sales means earning trust and convincing clients to buy.
In education, the “product” is the person.
Students and parents enroll not because of advertisements, but because they trust the teacher.
So, “sales” in education is about earning trust.

Even in schools, teachers must maintain trust with parents. Once that relationship breaks, communication suffers, and young teachers often leave due to stress.

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Trust is the foundation of everything

Everything in education begins and ends with building trust — between teacher and student, between school and family.
Without it, classes collapse, and fear of being disliked prevents genuine guidance.
Even veteran teachers struggle to rebuild trust once it’s lost.

In the next article, I will explore how to build this trust — a skill essential for all educators.

And yes, though it may seem unrelated to Ryotaro Shiba’s story, it will soon all make sense.
Thank you for reading.

If you enjoyed this piece, please give it a “like” or leave a comment — your thoughts inspire me greatly.

Warm regards,
TobiraAI